Law enforcement apprehended 58 individuals. Disruptive individuals launched projectiles and explosive devices at officers, aiming them parallel to the ground.
Blazes erupted in various areas. This occurred in Berchem, resulting in the destruction of scooters and public transit shelters.
Antwerp‘s police force detained a total of 58 individuals. Forty-seven received administrative detention, while 11 faced judicial proceedings.
Given the many disturbances, Antwerp police couldn’t confirm whether all eateries adhered to the 11 p.m. closing regulation. “We’re confident this rule was largely observed, as significant crowds remained on the streets after 11 p.m. These individuals likely originated from venues that closed at that hour,” stated Wouter Bruyns, a police spokesperson.
East Flanders also experienced various incidents during New Year’s Eve celebrations. In Ghent, a youth group fired mortars at police vehicles. Additional officers were deployed, swiftly restoring order. Emergency services responded to multiple firework-related injuries and minor fires.
Antwerp and Ghent Ring in the New Year with a Bang (and a Lot of Arrests)
Antwerp’s New Year’s Eve celebrations devolved into widespread unrest, resulting in 58 arrests. The chaos involved the targeted throwing of projectiles and explosive devices at police officers, mirroring a disturbing trend of escalating violence at public gatherings. The attacks weren’t limited to personnel; significant property damage occurred in Berchem, including the destruction of scooters and public transit shelters. While 47 individuals received administrative detention, a further 11 face judicial proceedings, highlighting the severity of the offenses.
Despite a city-wide 11 p.m. curfew for eateries, Antwerp police admit to being unable to fully enforce it amidst the widespread disturbances. Spokesperson Wouter Bruyns suggests that the lingering crowds after curfew were likely comprised of individuals from establishments respecting the regulation. This statement raises questions about the effectiveness of the curfew and the need for more stringent enforcement strategies in future events.
The unrest wasn’t confined to Antwerp. East Flanders also experienced its share of New Year’s Eve mayhem. Ghent saw a youth group targeting police vehicles with mortars, necessitating the deployment of additional officers to quell the disturbance. The incidents across both cities highlight a concerning pattern of escalating violence and disregard for public safety during New Year’s festivities, demanding a closer look at preventative measures and post-event responses. The numerous reports of firework-related injuries further underscore the need for stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns surrounding safe firework use.
